A Leesburg man was arrested for battery after allegedly hitting his girlfriend on the head several times during an argument.
Officers responded to a battery in progress at an undisclosed Lake County residence around 8:25 a.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report from the Lady Lake Police Department. While enroute to the call, officers received information from the caller that her boyfriend had struck her repeatedly and was now fleeing out the back door of the residence.
One of the officers was familiar with the victim and the suspect, 28-year-old Dylan Matthew Brow McHale. She found him emerging from a wooded area onto Lakeview Street where he surrendered to her and was detained. He agreed to be taken to the residence so officers could conduct their investigation, the report said.
Another officer met with the victim at the residence. She advised that she and McHale had been dating since around June or July 2024 but had known each other socially for over a year. He stayed at the residence and had personal items there, the report said.
That day, they got into an argument that resulted in McHale striking the victim on the right side of her head several times with his hand. She was not sure if he used a fist or an open hand. The officer saw redness on her right ear and neck, but she refused to take photographs of her injury. She later stated this was not the first time she had been struck, and the incidents, though not all reported, had been getting worse, the report said.
The incident occurred in the doorway to the bedroom. The officer was allowed to view the bedroom, which was in a state of general disarray with items on the floor, the report said.
McHale was later advised of his rights. He did not admit to hitting the victim but said he may have “brushed” against her as he walked by. He fled prior to law enforcement’s arrival because he did not want to “deal with the cops,” the report said.
McHale was arrested on charge of battery (domestic). He was transported to Lake County Jail and released after posting $2,000 bond.
He was also arrested in Feb. 2023 when he was found overdosing after cooking up a batch of meth.